Where to Learn About Jewelry Making

Today's jewelry making requires a little skill and a lot of creativity. Hobby stores offer classes on making jewelry, and these classes should explain what jewelry making tools and supplies you will need to get started. Also, books and tutorials are available that are filled with jewelry making ideas. The best way to become an expert at making jewelry is to get started and practice!

Factors to Consider Before Beginning

If you are going to start jewelry making, you need to think about a few things. First, do you have enough space for your jewelry making supplies? Second, what type of jewelry are you going to make? Are you going to be making jewelry boxes to put your jewelry in? Are you making jewelry for your own use or for resale? After answering these questions, it is time to get started!

Different Jewelry Making Techniques

Jewelry can be made using a variety of different mediums. Each technique has its own instructions, which makes jewelry making a hobby with a lot of room for growth. Here are some of the more popular forms of jewelry making:

• Wire work - One popular type of jewelry is wire jewelry. Making wire jewelry is easy to do, and is a great place to start learning jewelry making. Wire makes an excellent foundation for a piece of jewelry because it is flexible, but can hold its shape. Wire jewelry making is a good technique to use for earrings and necklaces.
• Bead stringing - Jewelry can also be made with string. Stringing beads on a piece of twine or other string can result in beautiful bracelets and necklaces. Beads are made from materials such as glass, plastic, semi-precious stones, and polymer clay.
• Metallic clay - If you wish to create metallic jewelry, you may want to use the new metallic clay, which works like normal modeling clay, but when fired in a kiln becomes hard and lustrous like silver or gold. This allows the jewelry maker to craft metal jewelry without needing to weld or solder pieces together.
• Fused glass - The adventurous jewelry maker may want to dip into fused glass. This technique requires a great deal of equipment, but the finished product is a one-of-a-kind bead that will be a beautiful addition to any piece of jewelry. For the jeweler interested in fused glass beading, a basic class through a local college or craft store is the best way to get started.
• Macramé - A somewhat retro technique, macramé jewelry is made out of hemp string and beads and feature elaborate knotting patterns. This type of jewelry was particularly popular in the 60s and 70s, and is resurfacing.

What is special about jewelry making is that each technique can be used with the others. Fused glass can be used to make beads that become part of a wire jewelry creation, for instance. The options truly are endless! Once you have decided on a technique, it's time to pick the piece you are going to make!

Some Final Tips for Jewelry Makers

Before beginning to make jewelry, it is a good idea to organize your studio. Have small containers available to separate beads, clasps, and other small items. Fishing tackle boxes work well in this capacity. If you are considering making jewelry to resell, look for wholesale suppliers. This will cut down significantly on your expenses. Keep track of all expenses, and make sure you sell your jewelry at a profit. Keep detailed files organizing your receipts, jewelry making instructions, and other documents. Organize your jewelry making supplies and start creating! Above all, have fun and soon you could have a profitable jewelry making business of your own.